February 23, 1862: Operations On the Mississippi and Tennessee Rivers

FEBRUARY 23RD, 1862:  Flag officer Foote, with Brigadier General Cullum, reconnoitered the Mississippi River down to Columbus, Kentucky, the anchor of the powerful Confederate defenses.  He reported proceeding "with four ironclad boats, two mortar boats and three transports containing 1,000 men."

Lt. Gwin, in the USS Tyler, conducted a reconnaissance of the Tennessee River to Eastport, Mississippi.  At Clifton, Tennessee, he seized 1,100 sacks and barrels of flour and some 6,000 bushels of wheat.

--Old B-Runner